Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 large apples
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Special equipment needed:
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the top of each apple and scoop out the core and seeds with a spoon or melon baller, leaving a hollow center.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the apple butter, brown sugar, rolled oats, chopped pecans, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
4. Stuff each apple with the mixture, pressing down gently to fill the hollow center.
5. Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish and cover with foil.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling is golden brown.
7. Serve warm.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 300
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 36g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of apple butter or substitute with pumpkin butter or pear butter.
- Instead of brown sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup.
- If you don't have rolled oats, you can use breadcrumbs or crushed graham crackers.
- You can use any type of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, instead of pecans.
Variations:
- Add raisins or dried cranberries to the filling mixture.
- Top the baked apples with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked apples before serving.
Tips and tricks:
- Choose apples that are firm and not too ripe, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- To prevent the apples from tipping over in the baking dish, cut a small slice off the bottom of each apple to create a flat surface.
- If the filling mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or apple juice to moisten it.
- You can make the filling mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the baked apples, place them in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until warm.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the baked apples on individual dessert plates and sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped pecans or cinnamon on top of the baked apples before serving.
Pairings:
Serve the baked apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot apple cider.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the baked apples with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the filling mixture is too wet, add more rolled oats or breadcrumbs to thicken it.
- If the apples are not tender after baking, cover them with foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the apples thoroughly before using them.
- Use a clean knife and cutting board to cut the apples and prepare the filling mixture.
- Store any leftover baked apples in the refrigerator and discard any that have been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
Apple butter is a traditional spread made from cooked apples, sugar, and spices. It originated in Europe in the Middle Ages and was brought to America by early settlers. Baked apples have been a popular dessert in America since colonial times.
Flavor profiles:
The baked apples have a sweet and spicy flavor, with a soft and tender texture. The filling mixture is a combination of apple butter, brown sugar, rolled oats, pecans, and warm spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the baked apples as a dessert or a sweet snack. They are perfect for fall and winter holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.
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